Find Your Balance: How To Do Half Moon Pose

by tinareale on October 29, 2014

Ardha Chandrasana is a great yoga pose used to strengthen the lower body, improve balance, lengthen the spine, and open the chest and shoulder area all at the same time. Obviously, there is a lot going on so we want to know how to do Half Moon Pose in yoga well. Understanding the pose and its proper alignment will help us to feel more stable, so we can work smarter and safer.

Tips & Modifications: Always work from the ground up. Have a strong foundation with the standing leg properly aligned and engaged. If a block is needed in order to stand strong in the grounded leg, use it. No harm. No foul. Props are awesome. A block is also a great tool to keep the upper body from drooping forward. The block brings the ground closer to you, so you can lift more through the chest. If you have any neck injury, keep the head in neutral alignment – not turning to look up or down.

Some teachers may recommend to lift the fingers from the mat in order to further challenge balance in the pose. I personally recommend keeping them lightly to the ground. To remain stable, which protects the joints, and to reach further out through the fingertips to keep the chest open and lifted.

*Always work within a pain-free range of motion. Yoga poses should have a sense of “effortless ease” so please move mindfully and take any modifications needed. If you have any injuries or other health conditions, check with your doctor for any special precautions to make your practice work for you.

Let’s Chat: Do you like Half Moon Pose? Is it a challenging pose for you to balance? It is for me!Related: 20 Minute Yoga For Balance

Oh man, I have SO much trouble with this pose. Fortunately, I learned it in a class with my favorite teacher, who warned me ahead of time that it was a challenge, so I didn’t beat myself up too much over struggling so much with a pose that looks so simple. But it’s a tough one!